Choosing a joystick. Your opinions?

[Dungeonsdeep]

I am building my first Mame build and I am overwhelmed with the choices.

Ultimarc alone sells many control solutions, and I am sure other sites do as well.

What are your personal favorites? I am really just looking for something simple.

Would you choose Magstik Plus over Sanwa and why?

They offer a super simple basic Mag-Stik model, with the only feature being a switchable 4 to 8 way feature. I think they are a measely 17 bucks. Do I NEED more than that?

I plan on playing fighters, beat em ups, and some console games. Really just casual gaming.

Thanks for your answers and opinions.

EDIT: Can anyone provide any cons to using the UltraStik 360? I'm assuming this works like a windows input joystick and from my experience I have had issues using joysticks when going between MAME and other emulators, some of which are better suited to keystrokes through Xpadder.

[Vigo]

These threads seem to always pop up because there is no right answer. I've never liked the magstik's feel, but others will probably say the opposite. There is a lot of Magstik love. It is a much more versatile joystick than something like a Sanwa JLF. I absolutely love the JLF for games like fighters, but it is waaay too sloppy feeling for many of the "classic" games. For classic games, I usually end up liking a Wico leaf. Still haven't tried any modern leaf joysticks.

For a casual stick, I am surprised how much I like the cheap ones, like the Zippyy. If the ability to switch between 4 and 8 way isn't a feature you care about, then this stick might be worth looking into.

Downside of the U360? The price.  If you don't like the feel of the stick, you sunk a lot of money into a joystick you might not be happy with. There is also a little bit of setup involved, where regular joysticks just work as soon as they are wired in. And if you really are not gonna play a whole lot of analog control games, then there isn't a big reason to need them either.

[Dungeonsdeep]

These threads seem to always pop up because there is no right answer. I've never liked the magstik's feel, but others will probably say the opposite. There is a lot of Magstik love. It is a much more versatile joystick than something like a Sanwa JLF. I absolutely love the JLF for games like fighters, but it is waaay too sloppy feeling for many of the "classic" games. For classic games, I usually end up liking a Wico leaf. Still haven't tried any modern leaf joysticks.

For a casual stick, I am surprised how much I like the cheap ones, like the Zippyy. If the ability to switch between 4 and 8 way isn't a feature you care about, then this stick might be worth looking into.

Downside of the U360? The price.  If you don't like the feel of the stick, you sunk a lot of money into a joystick you might not be happy with. There is also a little bit of setup involved, where regular joysticks just work as soon as they are wired in. And if you really are not gonna play a whole lot of analog control games, then there isn't a big reason to need them either.

Thanks for the response. Yeah, I figured it was a common article.

I will definitely check out the zippy. I am guessing 4 way sticks are really only needed on more classic games? I'm a 90's kid, so not a whole lot of love for pac-man/DK and such (blasphemy right?). However, I do like the ability of the MAg+ and changing from 4 to 8 on the fly, and the price isn't THAT bad.

I think I am going to stay away from the Ultrastik 360. I really don't like the idea of using it as a windows joystick.

If it came down to a Magstik +, and a J-Stick (Sanwa)...who would win in your opinion?

See, I have never personally felt these, so have no idea if I will like one or the other better. And I realize it is all personal preference, but would learn from a majority opinion.

The cabinet I am working on has old Leaf style joysticks, but they are so bulky. Another BIG determining factor in my build is space constraints. Any recommendations for size, or are they all about the same dimensions as far as mounting bases go?

[EMDB]

I think I am going to stay away from the Ultrastik 360. I really don't like the idea of using it as a windows joystick.

You CAN use the UltraStick 360 as a "normal" wired stick connected to a keyboard encoder. I do. You still keep the advantage of auto switching 4/8/diagonal way. Configuring this is very easy. You can use LEDBlinky or my HyperMap (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,134128.0.html) if you are using HyperSpin as FE.

[Slippyblade]

I like the Zippyy a lot, pay the extra couple bucks on GGG and get the SmoothJoy switches.  Removes a lot of the "clickyness".

[Dungeonsdeep]

Good info guys.... I see that now that the Ultrastik can be routed via keystrokes with the included harness.

I might try the Zippyy...it's so cheap, can't go wrong, huh?

[adder]

zippyy is ok but personally i didnt like 2 things about it

1. stock microswitches are too loud
2. has a small light spring, i prefer a firmer action

ps. be aware the zippyy comes in either long shaft or short shaft model, depending on preference

i would recommend the happ competition joystick as a good all rounder

[sharpfork]

I like the classic feel and 4/8 way switchability of the Sanwa JLWs.  They are a bit stiff for fighters but I like the short throw.

http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/8-way-only-joysticks/104-sanwa-jlw-tm-8-joystick.html
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=383

[lamprey]

If you can, try as many of them out as you can. The U360 is awesome for what it is. I have one in my mini-bar-top-cab and it works like a champ. It is the most versatile joystick that I know of. That having been said, I'm in the process of putting together a stand up machine and I decided to go with leaf-switches all around, because that's what I wanted. So, I going to sacrifice a 49-way stick (which the U360 does) so no Sinistar for me. 

What I'm getting at is if there is a particular feel that you like go with it. Or if you just have to play 49-way games, then that changes things. Some people like switches, some like leafs, some like optical, some like U360 (magnetic?). I don't think a couple of bucks should limit your choices. But, if you are on a budget, I'd wager that even the cheapest stick still will be fun to play with. 

[Dawgz Rule]

I had some weekend guests over the Memorial Day weekend and my one gamer friends absolutely loved the feel of the Magstick Plus.  He had no issues playing anything from fighters to shmups.  On the other hand, I find it to be a great shmup stick but have some difficulty with fighters.  It really comes down to what feels right to you.

[Louis Tully]

.

[Generic Eric]

Joysticks are like Pokémon.

[dfwdennis]

I just run my U360 in analog mode and let Mame take care of the 4-way vs. 8-way mapping for me.  Very simple that way.  I just had to tweak the maps for a few games like Q-bert and Tron.

[Dungeonsdeep]

Wow. It sounds like everyone likes a little bit of just about everything!

For some reason I'm leaning towards either the Magstick Plus, and second the Sanwa. I think I like the Magstick plus because of the ease of going between 4 and 8 way...But then again, do I really? This is my first build, so I have no clue! 

Again, thanks for all the suggestions. I promise to start posting build logs once I get the project on the move... I think you will all enjoy 

[shponglefan]

IMHO the best thing to do if you are undecided is to just buy more than one.  The incremental cost of an extra joystick is usually very small compared to the cost of a typical build.  By trying out more than one joystick, you can make sure you pick something you are happy with.

There are occasional stories of people who haven't been happy with their joysticks and then swapping them out later.  But it's much more of a PITA to do that than to figure that out beforehand.

[keilmillerjr]

While the quality of the mag stick is there, I was not pleased with how the mag sticks felt. And the fact that I had to spend even more money to make them a ball top. I sold them, decided to get a good dedicated 8-way, and purchased JLF's. No ragrets. http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,133016.0.html

[Dungeonsdeep]

While the quality of the mag stick is there, I was not pleased with how the mag sticks felt. And the fact that I had to spend even more money to make them a ball top. I sold them, decided to get a good dedicated 8-way, and purchased JLF's. No ragrets. http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,133016.0.html

Did You use any of the restrictor plates that were included? Just skimmed your write up there, looks like you went with 8 way. How are they on 4 way games? Very annoying or just mildly? I don't see myself playing a ton of Pac-Man, DK, etc, but my friends may want to. Are they at least switchable via reaching through the coin door?

EDIT: Looks like you went with the same color ball top I am looking for! 

EDIT 2: The link you provided to those sticks no longer works? Is there an equivalent still on the site or did they discontinue? Paradise Arcade confuses me very badly. I'm assuming ball tops are purchased separate? Nevermind, I see them now, lol.

[keilmillerjr]

While the quality of the mag stick is there, I was not pleased with how the mag sticks felt. And the fact that I had to spend even more money to make them a ball top. I sold them, decided to get a good dedicated 8-way, and purchased JLF's. No ragrets. http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,133016.0.html

Did You use any of the restrictor plates that were included? Just skimmed your write up there, looks like you went with 8 way. How are they on 4 way games? Very annoying or just mildly? I don't see myself playing a ton of Pac-Man, DK, etc, but my friends may want to. Are they at least switchable via reaching through the coin door?

EDIT: Looks like you went with the same color ball top I am looking for! 

EDIT 2: The link you provided to those sticks no longer works? Is there an equivalent still on the site or did they discontinue? Paradise Arcade confuses me very badly. I'm assuming ball tops are purchased separate? Nevermind, I see them now, lol.

I'm using the 4 way restrictor, set in 8-way mode. I also got an octagon restrictor. I am almost done building my front end layout. Afterwards, all that is left is to build the cabinet I designed in sketch up. So... yet to actually play any games with them. I just hand tested them. If I really want to play DK or Pacman, I can always just flip open the control panel and change the restrictor with no tools in a matter of seconds. Octagon might be a decent compromise for both 4-way and 8-way. I'd rather have a great 8-way joystick than a 4/8 way one that is just ok.

[severdhed]

I have not used the mag stick, but i have used many others (x-arcade, happ comp, wico, ultrastik 360, JLW/Jstik and a few unknows sticks) and i prefer the JLW/Jstik over all of them.   they have a great feel to them, have removable ball tops for easy customization, and if you get the ultimarc version (jstik) they are easily to switch between 4 and 8 way mode as long as you have access to the bottom.  They feel really good in 8 way mode, i don't mind the square restrictors at all.   because of the corners being so well defined, you can easily use it to play qbert by remapping the controls to the corners.    it also works great as a 4 way stick.  i have one i use as a dedicated 4 way in my classics cabinet and i couldn't be happier with it.  the only thing i would change, is i will eventually order the servostik upgrade so i don't have to lift up my panel to switch it.

i can't recommend these joysticks enough.

[Brian B]

I have not used the mag stick, but i have used many others (x-arcade, happ comp, wico, ultrastik 360, JLW/Jstik and a few unknows sticks) and i prefer the JLW/Jstik over all of them.   they have a great feel to them, have removable ball tops for easy customization, and if you get the ultimarc version (jstik) they are easily to switch between 4 and 8 way mode as long as you have access to the bottom.  They feel really good in 8 way mode, i don't mind the square restrictors at all.   because of the corners being so well defined, you can easily use it to play qbert by remapping the controls to the corners.    it also works great as a 4 way stick.  i have one i use as a dedicated 4 way in my classics cabinet and i couldn't be happier with it.  the only thing i would change, is i will eventually order the servostik upgrade so i don't have to lift up my panel to switch it.

i can't recommend these joysticks enough.

Could you do a compare and contrast between the U360 and the J-stik?  I currently have the U360 and got a longer shaft, the harder spring and the top restriction plastic inserts.  Even with given the upgrades I'm not sure I'm getting the best response on older games.  (These are the first/only joysticks I've purchased for the control panel.)  I got these because of the flexibility, but in truth, I'm not sure I'll ever really use them in the analog mode and I don't really play fighters much (where people recommend the JLF or the Happs Comp).  I didn't want to have to fiddle with 4-way/8-way manual switching from game to game.  I believe a good switchable 4/8-way in player 2 position negates the need for a dedicated 4-way.  It seems the ideal is a pair of servostiks!

Love to hear some more thoughts.

B.

[pbj]

Zippyy's are fine once you tighten everything up (a step missed by most I think).

Happs Competition is what you grew up playing if you're under 40.  The numerous knock offs are fine.  At one point I got a batch from... Spain? for $7 shipped each.  I can't tell any difference between these and the X-Arcade sticks.

What Ultimarc calls the E-stik (and I forget what Happs calls it) is.... okay.  I've played one on for years and it's just as stiff as the day I took it out of the box.

Sanwas.  Wow.  Nice and tight. 

Bottom line is that anything you buy new and use at your home will play better than anything you ever encountered in an arcade.

[emphatic]

Joysticks are like Pokémon.

 

[EddieArcadian]

I had mag stick pluses an I did not like them at all.  They are very "clicky" and "rigid".  Clicky in the fact they use microswitches, and they just felt rigid and stiff.  Also, they don't have much throw. I simply did not like the feel of them at all.  I prefer a leaf type joystick with no clicks and a little bit of throw... think Mortal Kombat. 

I now own U360's and I absolutely love them.  You can give them as much throw as you want by adding (or not) a circular restrictor plate.  Also, you can make them as soft or as rigid as you want by using (or not) the optional hard spring.  Also, you can use other restrictor plates if you want to be able to hit hard 4/8 way angles better.

The U360's are just so versitile and feel like butter, that's why I like them.  Also, if you add LED Blinky (or EMDB's free software) you can have the joystick automatically custom map itself when you open a 4-way or 8-way game so that it plays easier and feels correct.

If you want to go with a classic joystick, I know some people (ex. PaigeOliver) swear by the Super 8's.

My 2 cents.  Maybe if you tell us what games you like to play and what you want the joystick to feel like, that would help us provide advice.

[Vigo]

I had mag stick pluses an I did not like them at all.  They are very "clicky" and "rigid".  Clicky in the fact they use microswitches, and they just felt rigid and stiff.  Also, they don't have much throw.

That is my exact complaint about mags as well.

[severdhed]

Could you do a compare and contrast between the U360 and the J-stik?  I currently have the U360 and got a longer shaft, the harder spring and the top restriction plastic inserts.  Even with given the upgrades I'm not sure I'm getting the best response on older games.  (These are the first/only joysticks I've purchased for the control panel.)  I got these because of the flexibility, but in truth, I'm not sure I'll ever really use them in the analog mode and I don't really play fighters much (where people recommend the JLF or the Happs Comp).  I didn't want to have to fiddle with 4-way/8-way manual switching from game to game.  I believe a good switchable 4/8-way in player 2 position negates the need for a dedicated 4-way.  It seems the ideal is a pair of servostiks!

Love to hear some more thoughts.

B.

i'll see what i can come up with.  I have the bat top u360s with extended shafts and stiffer springs.  i ended up going back to the regular shafts.  I do not have any restrictors on them, so the throw is really long.  i ended up swapping the shafts out of a spare JLW to i could try a balltop u360, which i like better (the shaft is thinner and feels lighter).i wish i would have purchased the ball top versions to start with.    overall, they feel pretty good, but the throw distance being so long is what throws me off i think.  the big reason i like the jstik better is that they feel faster to return to center, plus i like the well defined corners.   

[paigeoliver]

The best joystick is a Happ P360 with the handle swapped out for a 4" Wico handle. $100 each and worth every penny.

[Brian B]

Could you do a compare and contrast between the U360 and the J-stik?  I currently have the U360 and got a longer shaft, the harder spring and the top restriction plastic inserts.  Even with given the upgrades I'm not sure I'm getting the best response on older games.  (These are the first/only joysticks I've purchased for the control panel.)  I got these because of the flexibility, but in truth, I'm not sure I'll ever really use them in the analog mode and I don't really play fighters much (where people recommend the JLF or the Happs Comp).  I didn't want to have to fiddle with 4-way/8-way manual switching from game to game.  I believe a good switchable 4/8-way in player 2 position negates the need for a dedicated 4-way.  It seems the ideal is a pair of servostiks!

Love to hear some more thoughts.

B.

i'll see what i can come up with.  I have the bat top u360s with extended shafts and stiffer springs.  i ended up going back to the regular shafts.  I do not have any restrictors on them, so the throw is really long.  i ended up swapping the shafts out of a spare JLW to i could try a balltop u360, which i like better (the shaft is thinner and feels lighter).i wish i would have purchased the ball top versions to start with.    overall, they feel pretty good, but the throw distance being so long is what throws me off i think.  the big reason i like the jstik better is that they feel faster to return to center, plus i like the well defined corners.   

I have them undermounted on a wood panel, so the short shaft puts the ball top really close to the panel--I'm pretty happy with the shaft length of the longer shaft.  I might have to buy another joystick just to try and feel the difference.  If the j-stik has a faster return to center then perhaps this is what I'm missing.

B.

B.

[Megaweapon]

Happs Competition is what you grew up playing if you're under 40.  The numerous knock offs are fine.

The IL Eurostick is preferred over the actual Competition these days.  Word is that Happ switched manufacturers and quality took a dive.

[Dungeonsdeep]

A lot of good info here everyone.

Regarding the "clickyness" of the MagStik Plus -  I can imagine exactly what that feels like in my mind, but can you provide some examples of games that have used similar sticks?

For some reason I think I like that clicky feel, that haptic feedback. When I use the leaf sticks on my cab at home, it always feels like I'm hitting a brick wall everytime I hit the edge. Don't know if that makes sense.

It seems like everyone has their own personal preference. Problem is I don't feel like spending the money to trial and error what feels right for me.

Getting a SFII cab this weekend, we will see how those sticks feel and I'll go from there I guess.

[kuehnau]

I'll tell you what ones not to go with. I can't recall the name and I am at work right now, but last year I bought some of these 8-way quick mounting joysticks, basically all the joystick guts screw into the bottom, so you don't need any bolts to mount them.

They have a diamon hole cover for the top of the controller panel.

These are absolute trash. If you tighten them up too much, the contacts get all ---fouled up beyond all recognition--- up, don't tighten them up enough and the contacts move around on the bottom, messing up the controller and during one intense game, it actually loosened up enough for the guts to actually fall off.

Seemed like a great idea, works horribly. They are laying in a dusty forgetten box in my basement now.